LONDON, (Reuters) – Rory McIlroy’s brief flirtation with Europe’s second tier Challenge Tour proved less than successful yesterday with the world number nine ending tied for 12th at the Egyptian Open.
The 21-year-old Briton, competing in Cairo to promote the event, shot a closing four-under 68 for a six-under aggregate of 282 to finish a distant seven strokes behind winner Mark Tullo of Chile.
“That was my lowest round of the week and it could have been a lot better,” said McIlroy. “I missed four short birdie putts, all inside eight feet, on the back nine.
“There was a massive difference between how I hit the ball today and in the first round. Wednesday was really bad – the worst I have ever hit it as a professional,” added the Northern Irishman referring to his opening 71.
“It was cool to see the Pyramids even though it was a short trip. It has been a great week, hopefully I’ll be able to come back one day if it becomes a European Tour event.”
McIlroy will be back on the full tour in two weeks’ time, competing alongside the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood at the WGC-Champions Tournament in Shanghai.
